System and method for managing data retrieval bandwidth

Abstract

A retrieval system and method which allows a computer system to adjust the data retrieval start times of the data retrieval requests from the different users in order to achieve overall system objectives. Each user is assigned a percentage availability which then determines a factor for all of the applications run by that user. This factor is associated with each request for data retrieval from any application. For any given batch of data requests there is calculated a start time for each data request, with the start time dependent upon the assigned factor. The start times from all users for that batch are then ordered in accordance with the calculated start times. The system will reorder the start times when efficient operation requires such reordering.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A storage retrieval system comprising 
       means for assigning to selected users a percentage availability of the data storage medium; and  
       means for determining a data retrieval start time for each data retrieval request from a user based upon the assigned availability percentage for the requesting user;  
       whereby the means for determining is operative to delay selected data retrieval requests to achieve the assigned availability percentage.  
     
     
       2. The invention set forth in claim  1  further including 
       means for retrieving data from the storage medium in an order determined by said determined data start time for each data retrieval request.  
     
     
       3. The invention set forth in claim  1  wherein said retrieving means includes 
       means for interleaving requests from different users in accordance with said assigned data start times.  
     
     
       4. The invention set forth in claim  1  further including 
       means for overriding said determined data start times in response to system parameters other than the user's assigned percentage availability.  
     
     
       5. The invention set forth in claim  1  wherein said assigning means is operable to controllably change the assigned percentages to the system users. 
     
     
       6. The invention set forth in claim  1  further including 
       means for providing statistics to each system user for defined operational parameters pertaining to that user's data retrieval requests.